Caelian Hill (Celio)

The Basics

Caelian Hill is unique among Rome’s seven historic hills, as its western slope is one of the few tranquil and unpopulated places in Rome. Several ancient churches dating from the fourth and fifth centuries can be visited on Caelian Hill, in addition to Roman ruins and Villa Celimontana, one of Rome’s nicest parks.

The churches and ruins on Caelian Hill are best visited as part of a guided tour to appreciate their historical importance. Consider joining a walking, rickshaw, or Vespa tour of the hills of ancient Rome, or a small-group tour dedicated to the most historic churches in the Eternal City. Many tours of Rome’s seven hills include skip-the-line access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, which are nearby on Palatine Hill.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Caelian Hill is a must for history buffs, as it is home to some of the city’s most fascinating ancient churches and Roman ruins.

• The Baths of Caracalla are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and the site offers restrooms and a bookshop. The ruins are open to the elements, so bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.

• Visitors must wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter the churches. Some churches are not wheelchair accessible.

• The park and gardens of Villa Celimontana are an ideal spot for a stroll with kids.

How to Get There

Caelian Hill is located on the southeast corner of the historic center of Rome, along the Tiber River. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo, on line B.

When to Get There

Most of the Baths of Caracalla ruins are outdoors, so visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. The quiet churches, on the other hand, provide a cool refuge from the midday summer heat.

Rome’s Seven Hills

Caelian Hill is the farthest southeast of Rome’s seven hills, which are all east of the Tiber and form the geographical heart of ancient Rome. The other hills are Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill, and Palatine Hill, where legend tells us that Romulus founded the city and where the most famous archaeological ruins can still be seen.

Ways to explore

While you can visit the churches and ruins on Caelian Hill on your own, consider doing so with a guide to appreciate their historical importance and religious significance. Golf cart tours are a particularly popular option for exploring Rome’s historic center, or if you’re focused on the Caelian, take a walking tour. Tours of secret Rome and the Roman underground often visit the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, which stands atop imperial Roman houses with beautiful frescoes. Some Christians believe Saint John and Saint Paul lived and died there.

Accessibility

Caelian Hill is broadly wheelchair accessible: The slopes are generally not too steep, and cobblestones, where they exist, are low. However, not all sights are wheelchair-friendly.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen and a water bottle in summer

What to wear

Covered shoulders and knees when entering churches

Not allowed

Some sites restrict photography.

Address

Caelian Hill is located in the southeast corner of Rome’s historic center, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) southeast of Piazza Navona.

Driving

Between the crazy traffic and the restrictions on entering the historic center, Rome is no place to drive. Walk, take public transportation, jump in a taxi or a rideshare, or join a tour.

Public transportation

The nearest metro stop is Colosseo (line B) at the northern foot of the hill.

Best times to visit

The main Caelian Hill churches close for lunch, while the ruins below the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo close at 4pm. Visit in the morning or afternoon to see the most sights.

Best days to visit

The Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round closes on Mondays, but other than that, there’s no bad day to check out Caelian Hill.

Best months to visit

You can visit Caelian Hill year-round; the churches provide sweet relief from summer heat.